Handbags & Accessories

Complete 2023 Gift Guide for the Hermès Bag Collector

By Lindsey Weiss
Shop Hermès bags , available for Immediate Shipping at Sotheby's Buy Now Marketplace
Hermès Birkin 30 Fringe HSS

With the holiday season fast approaching, give the gift of timeless luxury for the Hermès bag collectors in your life. At Sotheby’s, we have carefully curated a selection of Hermès bags that will surprise and delight your loved ones. We have the perfect gift for the seasoned Hermès bag collector and someone just starting to collect Hermès bags. Most importantly Sotheby's Buy Now Marketplace bags are available for immediate shipping. New Hermès bags listed weekly plus our handbag specialists are available to source something extra special if you can't find it online.

Hermès Birkin Himalaya: Ultimate Showstopper

Hermès Birkin 30 Himalaya White Matte Niloticus Crocodile Palladium Hardware

For the seasoned Hermès bag collector, the ultimate show stopper is a Hermès Himalayan Birkin bag. Its distinct ombré pattern is named after the world's highest mountain range. The Himalayan Birkin bag was initially only known to top collectors, until 2010 when Jean-Paul Gaultier sent one down the runway. Since 2010 it has consistently remained the most sought after Birkin by dedicated collectors and celebrities. The rarity and desirability of the Birkin Himalaya is also reflected in the price on the secondary market. Expect to pay over $200,000 depending on the size, date stamp and condition of a Birkin Himalaya.

Hermès Kelly 28 Black Box: A Forever Classic

Hermès Kelly 28 Black Box Kelly Sellier Gold Hardware, 1998

The Hermès Kelly was first introduced in the 1930s but became a timless classic after Grace Kelly fell in love with the bag while filming To Catch a Thief in 1955. If your loved one is just starting an Hermès bag collection, a Black Box Kelly 28 with Gold Hardware is an ideal gift. The Kelly 28 is a perfect size for day and night and the Sellier style is more structured which will hold it's shape better with age. We also love how box leather patina's with age, making each Kelly bag unique and one of a kind. It is possible to find an excellent condition Vintage Hermès Kelly 28 in box leather for under $20,000 but expect to pay between $20,000-$28,000 for a store fresh bag.

Hermès Kelly Elan: Elegant Update

Hermès Kelly Elan Black Chevre Gold Hardware

Hermès reintroduced the Kelly Elan in 2023 after its short original production from 2000-2002. It's an elegant and simple shoulder bag for the Hermès collector that loves the structured Sellier Kelly bag. It is slightly larger than the Kelly Pochette and has a short strap than the traditional Kelly. It is a nice addition for Hermès bag collector looking for a slim shoulder bag. Its removable shoulder strap ensures you can also use it as a clutch. It retails for around $9,000 but expect to pay closer to $20,000+ or a store fresh bag.

Hermès Kelly Danse II: Versatile and Chic

Hermès Kelly Danse II Rouge de Couer Evercolor

Hermès reintroduced the Kelly Danse in 2023 after its original production from 2008-2013. Like the Kelly Elan, it does not have a top handle and has a removable strap. Unlike the Kelly Elan, the Kelly Danse can be worn in multiple ways including: waist bag, crossbody, backpack and shoulder bag. We recommend the Kelly Danse for someone that will appreciate the versatility and wants a casual less structured Hermès bag. The Kelly Danse in leather retails for about $7,000 but expect to pay $15,000-$20,000 depending on the color for a store fresh leather bag.

Hermès Birkin Toile: Casual for Day

Hermès Birkin 25 Biscuit Swift and Ecru Toile Palladium Hardware

Since Hermès Birkins remain the most popular style with most Hermès bag collectors, a slight variation on the classic is a perfect holiday gift. In 2023 we have seen a resurgence in Birkins in Toile and Swift leather. These more casual Birkins are perfect for day and with slightly less leather, the bags are also lighter than the the all leather counterparts. Hermès has a long tradition in making bags with leather and canvas/toile. Hermès canvas and toile fabrics range in material composition but are as thoughtfully sourced and treated as leather and exotic skins. Expect to pay $30,000 + for a store fresh Birkin in Toile and Swift Leather.

Hermès Mini Jypsiere: New Favorite Cross Body

Hermès Mini Jypsiere Beton

Hermès introduced the Mini Jypsiere in 2023, measuring seven centimeter smaller than the Jypsiere 28. The Mini Jypsiere’s petite profile allows it to sit comfortably on the wearer, making it an ideal travel companion for both urban and exotic adventures. Just as with its larger counterpart, the Mini Jypsiere’s front flap is secured by Hermès’ characteristic turn clasps, straps, and brackets. We recommend the Mini Jypsiere for the Hermès bag collector with a more relaxed style. It retails for around $7,300 though a store-fresh version on the secondary market sells for closer to $10,000 - 12,000.

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